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Most coloring groups on Facebook have a strict “No criticism” policy. The rules often state “If you don’t have anything good to say, move on.” But is that really such a good idea? If we are not allowed to receive criticism, how will we ever get better?

While I by no means imply that we should be allowed to tear each other’s work apart, constructive criticism might turn an enthusiastic artist into a good artist, and a good artist into a great one.

Most people know their own limitations. By looking at other’s work they know that their work is not up to par. They can see that others are better and often wonder ... how did they do that?

This is where constructive criticism might be helpful. Mentioning where the coloring artist went wrong, or what could be improved upon, might not only be well received but appreciated.

For instance. Some two weeks or three weeks ago I noticed a particularly striking image of blue flowers in this group. The coloring brought about a string of likes and comments of people falling over themselves to express how extraordinary this coloring was.

BLUE FLOWERS BY: PRIS DAVID

My first reaction was ... I might as well give up. The artist, Pris David, commented “No, don’t do that. Keep practicing and you’ll be able to do this too.” Yeah right, like that was gonna happen.

So I emailed Pris and she started giving me some tips. I tried what she explained and ... it didn’t work. I tried again and again, but no, no luck.​Next Pris provided, in addition to more advice, a picture of what to do and what not to do. I tried again and ... hm, while I could see a tiny bit of improvement, my efforts still didn’t even come close to what she was showing me.

So Pris took it one step further and sent me a video. I must have watched that video ten times, and not just looked at it, but studied it, along with the pictures she provided. And yes, eventually what she had explained, showed me with drawings and now with this video started to make sense.

So I tried again, sent her the result of my work, she delivered feedback and I tried again, and again, and again.​Today I’m happy to say that I’m getting there. I’m still nowhere near as good as Pris is, but if I can improve this much in two weeks, the future looks promising.

​The blue flowers I colored earlier this year, the blue and pink ones were done last week.​Better, right?

I am a colorer. I enjoy looking at colorists work but have no desire to be a colorist. I color for fun and relieve stress and pain. I'm 70 and this is good for me.
There is no WRONG in coloring! How sad for you that you feel you must 'correct' everyone. Now, if a person asks about things with a WIP or a coloring, that is another story. But you have to right to 'correct a wrong' when their is no WRONG!

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Miss Josh Emmett

6/7/2016 04:14:43 pm

Oops...there WAS a wrong in my reply, I typed their instead of there.

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Conny Manero

6/7/2016 06:39:59 pm

Not to worry Josh. I appreciate your comment.

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Chris Basta

6/8/2016 09:24:03 am

Wonderful improvement!

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Conny Manero

6/8/2016 09:48:17 am

Thank you Chris. I have a long way to go, but seeing improvement is encouraging.

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Miss Josh Emmett

6/8/2016 02:56:51 pm

I see my original reply was not posted and my subscription was cancelled. Rather nasty, dear.

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Conny Manero

6/8/2016 03:57:38 pm

Josh, let me assure you. I didn't delete or cancel anything. The only comment I have from you reads as follows: "Oops...there WAS a wrong in my reply, I typed their instead of there." I did not see the original comment you are referring to.

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Diane

6/9/2016 04:06:45 pm

Tremendous improvement! You are learning the nuances of shading. Takes more time but rewards with the visual color power of realism.

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Conny Manero

6/9/2016 05:59:36 pm

Thank you Diane. I intent to persevere.

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Cynthia Kloeter

9/28/2016 09:23:07 am

As an artist who simply creates the lines you and other colorist fill in, I'm always amazed. Yet some seem to grasp the idea so well, while other appear to struggle. The key to life is dimesion. The highlights and lowlights within the color brings the image to life and you my dear have mastered it. We should all be up for learning and growing. WELL DONE CONNY!